Michael Ellis
MP for Northampton North
Con
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Response classifications show how directly each question was answered.
Having visited recently, I know that Israel remains in shock following the rape, murder and butchery carried out by Hamas. All of us want to see a peaceful and demilitarised Palestinian state. However, Hamas remain in control in large parts of Gaza, support for them is growing in the west bank, polls show that nearly two thirds of Palestinians reject co-existence with Israel and the Palestinian Authority has continued to promote hatred of Jews. Does my right hon. Friend agree that any recognition of a Palestinian state must address these issues and can come about only as part of a negotiated settlement between Israel and the Palestinians?
Context
The speaker visited Israel recently and noted ongoing tensions with Hamas.
Rishi Sunak
The Government's position is clear. My right hon. and learned Friend is right that steps and conditions need to be put in place on this journey: first and foremost, the removal of Hamas from Gaza; a Palestinian-led Government in Gaza and the west bank; a concrete plan to reform and support the Palestinian Authority; a reconstruction plan for Gaza; and a two-state solution, which we have long supported. Let me be clear: we stand with Israel. The terrorist threat it faces must be eliminated and Israel's lasting security must be guaranteed.
Session: PMQs
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that it would be odd to impose an arms embargo on Israel when UK forces are working with them?
Context
UK armed forces are in the region and work with Israel for humanitarian support.
Kemi Badenoch
My right hon. and learned Friend makes a good point. The Prime Minister addressed this issue yesterday. We monitor the situation closely, assess export licence applications on a case-by-case basis, and operate robust export controls.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can the Deputy Foreign Secretary confirm if His Majesty's Government still maintains that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over Israel based on the statute of Rome?
Context
The question refers to the International Criminal Court's lack of jurisdiction over Israel due to its non-signatory status and previous UK Prime Minister's letter stating that ICC lacks jurisdiction.
Andrew Mitchell
We do not think the ICC has jurisdiction over Israel as stated, but it is ultimately for the ICC to determine.
Session: Strategic Export Licences Israel
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Too many residents in Nottingham South tell me that antisocial behaviour is making their lives a misery. They never see a bobby walking the streets, and under the lawbreaking Tory police and crime commissioner, Nottinghamshire police has been placed in special measures by HMICFRS. My constituents will vote for Labour's Gary Godden on 2 May to rebuild neighbourhood policing and adopt a zero-tolerance approach to antisocial behaviour. Are they right?
Context
The Labour leader in Nottingham South claims that the lack of policing presence and the poor performance of Nottinghamshire police under a Tory police and crime commissioner have led to residents feeling unsafe.
James Cleverly
Across the country, best-performing police areas are typically controlled by Conservative PCCs. I know the situation in Nottinghamshire well and have spoken to its PCC who has a clear plan of action to ensure more frontline officers.
Session: Antisocial Behaviour
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Can the deputy Foreign Secretary confirm that Israel is co-operating with an increasing number of lorries entering Gaza carrying essential humanitarian aid? I have been looking up the figures: 16,405 aid lorries, 203,300 tonnes of food and 26,160 tonnes of water. Is it not correct that the Israelis have said there is no limit on the amount of aid that can come in, but that there is a delay once it has passed Israeli checks and before it gets into Gaza proper?
Context
Israel is co-operating with an increasing number of lorries entering Gaza carrying essential humanitarian aid.
Andrew Mitchell
My right hon. and learned Friend is right to say that there has been an increase in the number of trucks getting in. In February there were, on average, only 97. In March that figure is 162. So there has been an improvement, but the House will recognise that there is nothing like enough getting through.
Session: Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
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What steps does my right hon. Friend propose to take to convey to university heads that they have a legal and moral obligation to stamp out antisemitism?
Context
A Jewish student at Cambridge University faced vandalism by an antisemite who slashed a painting of Lord Balfour, highlighting the widespread issue of antisemitic incidents in universities.
Robert Halfon
I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for his question. Arthur Balfour was a great man and identified the need for a homeland for British Jews. That is why antisemites do not like him and are slashing his picture. I and the Secretary of State are spending a lot of time with Jewish student groups. I have been to Leeds University to spend time with Jewish students, because the chaplain there was attacked, and we are working with Universities UK. We have announced a £7 million package to give to Jewish student groups, including the University Jewish Chaplaincy, to try to stop antisemitism on campus. We are also developing a quality seal that we will ask universities to adopt, so that they deal properly with antisemitic incidents.
Session: Topical Questions
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A gynaecologist who claimed Hammersmith Hospital would be better “Jew free” has been ruled as merely uncomfortable with discriminatory language and is soon to resume seeing patients. I am concerned about his reinstatement due to potential danger to Jewish patients and the tribunal's decision being unreasonable. Will the Secretary of State instruct Government lawyers for judicial review?
Context
A gynaecologist made anti-Semitic remarks and was suspended, but not deemed racist by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service.
Victoria Atkins
I have written to NHS England and regulators setting out their responsibilities. I will be looking into this issue with great urgency.
Session: Healthcare for Women
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Today, the Charity Commission issued new guidance for charities that refuse to accept donations. Will my right hon. Friend support the right of communities throughout the British Isles to donate to charities?
Context
The Charity Commission issued guidance on charities refusing donations, following an incident involving the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Michael Gove
My right hon. and learned Friend raises a very important point. We want to do everything we can to encourage charitable giving.
Session: Topical Questions
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The MP noted that the Met Police could use section 4A of the Public Order Act for threats and insulting behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress; could reasonably fear a breach of the peace and arrest individuals obstructing a constable under the Police Act. He cited police discipline for neglect of duty.
Context
A political statement, implying the destruction of Israel, was projected onto Big Ben last week. The Metropolitan Police Commissioner claimed he is powerless to address this.
Chris Philp
The Member stated that all were horrified by the projection, which was unacceptable and also a breach of planning law. The Minister expects police to take action and has communicated this forcefully to the Commissioner.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my right hon. Friend share my concern that the large number of inquiries that Ofcom has launched against GB News, for conducting itself in exactly the same fashion as other channels routinely do, is in danger of looking biased and political, and that Ofcom is in danger of putting itself in judicial review territory?
Context
Ofcom has launched numerous investigations into GB News, raising concerns about potential bias and political interference in regulatory actions.
Lucy Frazer
The Government and I are in favour of media plurality, and it is important that different channels express different views across our vast political landscape. I am pleased that GB News has chosen to be regulated by Ofcom, and I know that Ofcom carries out its job appropriately.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that leaking Law Officer advice is contrary to the rule of law?
Context
The leaking of Law Officer advice for political or other purposes is under scrutiny. The question addresses the importance and consequences of such breaches.
Victoria Prentis
My right hon. and learned Friend's intervention highlights the significance of the Law Officers' convention, which is crucial for free, frank advice to Government. Leaking such advice has a chilling effect and undermines confidence in legal professional privilege.
Session: Government Rule of Law
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Would unilateral recognition now risk equipping dangerous actors with state capabilities?
Context
The MP questioned the risks associated with unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.
Andrew Mitchell
The British Government intend to recognise a Palestinian state when the timing is right. The Foreign Secretary's comments point out importance of political progress.
Session: Gaza
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that local authorities should avoid rash actions and ensure freedom of religion?
Context
The London Borough of Havering reversed its decision to cancel Hanukkah festivities. The question is about avoiding such decisions.
Michael Gove
My right hon. and learned Friend is correct; it was based on a misconception that the idea of celebrating any faith would be provocative, which is wholly wrong.
Session: Antisemitism
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Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the judiciary must not make incendiary comments about Israel? Will he take this from me as a complaint to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office?
Context
A district judge acquitted defendants who vandalised a factory and made incendiary comments.
Alex Chalk
I simply note the question. I will happily take it up with my right hon. and learned Friend subsequently.
Session: Topical Questions
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Does my right hon. Friend think people of the Jewish faith feel safe on the London Underground? Should not Transport for London equipment misuse leading to harassment be punishable under the Public Order Act 1986?
Context
There are concerns about safety for Jews using the London Underground, and a specific incident is mentioned involving misconduct by staff.
Mark Harper
I am familiar with the case raised. I contacted British Transport police after seeing disturbing footage, confirming a suspended staff member is under investigation. The incident is taken seriously by both BTP and London Underground.
Session: Topical Questions
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My staff member Callum Dineen has been campaigning to improve mental health policies at universities following the tragic suicide of his close friend Theo Brennan-Hulme. I thank the Universities Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon), for meeting Callum on this sensitive matter. Callum has been particularly focused on information sharing in a mental health crisis, which is a policy that Universities UK has recently endorsed and one that we feel would have helped Theo. Can the Minister inform the House of the steps that the Government are taking to ensure that those policies are being adopted in universities?
Context
Callum Dineen has been campaigning to improve mental health policies at universities following the tragic suicide of his close friend Theo Brennan-Hulme.
Robert Halfon
I had a very moving meeting with Callum. The story of the loss of his friend is absolutely tragic. There are serious mental health problems among some students across higher education and universities, and there have been some tragic episodes. We are investing £15 million to support students' mental health and are strongly supporting the students' mental health charter. I have asked Edward Peck, the vice-chancellor of Nottingham Trent, to work on these issues.
Session: Topical Questions
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Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
BBC News Impartiality: Government's Role — [Hannah Bardell in the Chair]
27 February 2024
Responding: Julia Lopez
Main Concerns
["Michael Ellis expressed deep regret over the BBC's failure to uphold impartiality, particularly in its coverage of the Israel-Hamas war. He cited specific incidents such as the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital explosion and biased reporting that inflamed community tensions and fuelled antisemitism. He highlighted examples of journalists like Jeremy Bowen dismissing criticisms without acknowledging mistakes and provided statistics showing that 77% of Jews in Britain believe BBC coverage is biased against Israel."]
Specific Asks
["Ellis asked the government to join calls for the publication of the Balen report into anti-Israel bias at the BBC, questioning whether the time has come to remove the BBC's ability to self-regulate. He also urged the Minister to address concerns about existing complaints procedures and their ineffectiveness."]
Holocaust Memorial (Centre) Bill - New Clause 1
22 May 2024
Bill Debate
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Gaza
20 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Risk-based Exclusion
13 May 2024
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The debate focuses on a motion concerning risk-based exclusion policies in the House of Commons, specifically regarding amendments to Standing Orders and procedures for handling charges against Member...
War in Gaza
07 May 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
UK Armed Forces in Middle East
29 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
17 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Iran-Israel Update
15 April 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Israel and Gaza
26 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Cyber-security and UK Democracy
25 March 2024
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Music Education
19 March 2024
Adjournment Debate
Led by this MP
The MP highlighted the challenges faced by music education hubs due to a lack of funding growth over recent years, despite inflation and the importance of music in children's development. He emphasise...
1
PMQs Asked
15
Ministerial Questions Asked
66
House of Commons Debates Involved
1
Westminster Hall Debates Led
11
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
0
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1370 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-73% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+10% above average
This MP:
15
Average:
13.7
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-60% below average
This MP:
1
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1263% above average
This MP:
66
Average:
4.8
Statements / Bills Proposed
+16% above average
This MP:
11
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.4
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks Michael Ellis's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.